This week, Huawei and Xiaomi introduced their latest foldable phones, the Mate XT2 and Xiaomi 18 Fold, respectively, as they prepare for competition against Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to be unveiled on Wednesday. Xiaomi's device resembles Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, while Huawei's Mate XT2 is the third generation of its trifold smartphone.
Analysts suggest that there is significant demand for a foldable iPhone, with Counterpoint Research estimating Apple could capture a 25% share of the global foldable market this year, potentially increasing to 40% by 2027. In China, where Huawei dominates the foldable market, the competition will be fierce, as many consumers may upgrade to Apple's offering.
The launches by Huawei and Xiaomi are strategic moves to ensure their products are available for comparison when Apple enters the foldable space. Both companies also highlighted their advancements in chip technology, with Xiaomi's XRing O3 processor and Huawei's new LogicFolding technique, indicating a focus on innovation in their devices